Band Hero

About

Band Hero lets players form a virtual band using guitar, bass, drum, and vocal controllers. It plays like a streamlined version of Guitar Hero 5 but with a focus on pop-rock hits. The PS2, PS3, 360, and Wii versions use dedicated instruments while the DS version swaps between a guitar grip or drum skin. Up to four players can join in locally with split-screen modes or switch instruments mid-song. A roster of celebrity avatars including Taylor Swift and Adam Levine appears throughout the game. The game split critics and players. Some praised its accessibility and family-friendly vibe but others called it a cash grab with fewer songs than Guitar Hero 5. A 65-track library felt thin to many compared to rival titles. Legal issues also followed release when No Doubt sued over unauthorized use of their likeness. While it found a niche with younger audiences, long-time rhythm game fans often saw it as a diluted follow-up.